Accredited Test Facilities

Accredited Test Facilities

Overview

The AWS Accredited Test Facility (ATF) program establishes minimum requirements for test facilities, their personnel and equipment to qualify for accreditation to test and qualify welders. This program is open to all qualified test facilities that may be a part of an independent laboratory, manufacturing plant, educational institution, or other entity.

Explore ATF Advantages for your facility

ATFs play an integral part in the operation of the AWS Certified Welding program and have proven that they have the necessary resources to test welders to this nationally recognized and accepted program.

Accredited Test Facilities receive valuable recognition: they are listed on the AWS website for those who need to certify welders and are also advertised in the award-winning Welding Journal magazine.

The growing choice for many contractors and fabricators

Entrusting welder certification to ATF specialists makes good business sense for contractors and fabricators. Companies are increasingly realizing the shortcomings of self-qualification and switching to AWS Accredited Test Facilities to test and qualify their welders. ATFs help them to save money, improve productivity, and reduce liability by entrusting their welder certification to the experts.

Not familiar with the AWS Certified Welder program? Learn more by clicking here

Download your application now or call us

Join more than 100 U.S. and international test facilities that have taken advantage of the opportunity to become AWS Accredited Test Facilities. Download an ATF Initial On-Site Audit Application Package today or for more information contact AWS at (800) 443-9353, ext. 448 or 343.

Find an Accredited Test Facility (ATF)

To contact an Accredited Test Facility (ATF) near you, select one of the links below or call AWS at (800)443-WELD or outside the U.S. (305)443-WELD, extension 273.

Requirements

The AWS Accredited Test Facility (ATF) program requires that a facility implement a quality assurance program that meets the requirements established in the AWS QC4-89, Standard for the Accreditation of Testing Facilities. The requirements include that the facility have a Quality Manual that controls the activities related to the testing of welders in the facility according to AWS QC7, Standard for AWS Certified Welders.

The facility must also have a CWI on staff or contracted to perform the welder qualification tests: This individual cannot be the same person who has trained the applicant.

Step 3: Conducting your onsite audit:

Once your program payment has been received, AWS will schedule an on-site audit of your facility by a third-party auditor. Once the audit is completed, your facility will receive notification of results, including any deficiencies requiring corrective action. A final invoice will be sent to your facility for any auditor travel expenses.

Step 4: Receiving your Approved ATF Certificate

If your audit results are satisfactory, your facility will be issued a Certificate of Conformance. This now allows your facility to operate in accordance with the AWS QC4-89, Standard for Accreditation of Test Facilities for the AWS Certified Welder Program.

* Fees are subject to change due to individual circumstances for each facility.** Applicants are directly responsible for the auditor's travel expenses.*** Auditor fees for international ATFs are as follows:

Each Travel Day

$400

On−site Audit Fee

$800

Total Fee

(dependent on # of audit and travel days required)

Custom Programs

For larger organizations that have a number of testing facilities, AWS can work with you to create a custom ATF program that takes into account your organization’s specific needs and requirements. AWS currently supports the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers; the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association; and Intertek Moody International with these custom programs.

Ironworkers Training Facilities

If you would like more information on the availability and requirements of custom programs, please contact AWS at (800) 443-9353, ext. 448 or 343 or accreditation@aws.org.

MT/PT Endorsement Overview

The CWI program has been expanded to include supplemental inspection exams (endorsements). The test for the endorsements consist of a three part exam with the practical portion to be held at the ATF while other two will be held at a CBT location.

AWS Magnetic Particle Testing (MT Dry Powder Yoke Method)

Scope of Endorsement:

Section 2 of AWS QC1, Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors provides for endorsements that may be added to the CWI and SCWI certifications.

Endorsements are defined in AWS QC1 as the approval of an additional skill documented in writing and added to a certification credential.

Facility Requirements

Comply with the Section 2 of AWS QC1, Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors.

Comply with the AWS Penetrant Testing (PT) Endorsement.

Comply with the AWS Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) Endorsement.

Undergo an additional On-site Audit by an AWS Auditor.

Once approved, ATF will be able to provided Part B practical exam for this endorsements.

Renewal

The ATF program requires that the facility conduct a self-audit of the quality system in order to renew the ATF accreditation for the 1st and 2nd year following an on-site audit. Once the self-audit has been carried out, the following steps will need to be completed:

1. Complete and submit the following documents to AWS:

ATF 1st and 2nd Year Renewal Application

Any portions of the Quality Manual and supporting documents that have changed since the last audit (on-site or 1st year self-audit).

Quality Manual checklist*

On-Site Audit checklist*

Application Fee or P.O. Request

*IMPORTANT: Make sure you carefully review all requirements printed on the checklists when conducting the self-audit. They contain more detailed information on what is required for your Quality Manual.

2. Following a satisfactory review of the facility’s application, checklist and Quality Manual, an invoice for the applicable fees will be issued to the facility. View current program fees under Prices.

4. Once the program fees have been received, AWS will mail a new ATF Certificate of Conformance to your facility representative. The certificate allows your facility to operate in accordance with the AWS QC4-89, Standard for Accreditation of Test Facilities for the AWS Certified Welder Program.

Reaccreditation

In the 3rd year of continuous accreditation, the ATF program requires that the facility undergo an on-site audit in order to be re-accredited. The following steps will need to be completed:

2. Following a satisfactory review of the facility’s application, checklist and Quality Manual, an invoice for the applicable fees will be issued to the facility. View current program fees above under Prices.

3. ATF program fees, along with a copy of the invoice must be mailed to:

4. Once the program fees have been received, AWS will schedule an onsite audit of your facility by a third-party auditor.

5. Once the audit is completed, your facility will receive notification of results, including any deficiencies requiring corrective action. A final invoice will be issued to the facility for the auditor’s travel expenses.

6. If your audit results are satisfactory, a Certificate of Conformance will be issued. The certificate now allows your facility to operate in accordance with the AWS QC4-89, Standard for Accreditation of Test Facilities for the AWS Certified Welder Program.

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